HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8456.11 – Machine-tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by laser
HS code 8456.11 is the 6-digit subheading for machine-tools, for working any material by removal of material, operated by laser. It is used for fiber laser cutting machines, CO2 laser engravers, YAG laser welders, picosecond laser micromachining systems and femtosecond laser ablation machines.
What HS 8456.11 covers
This HS code covers advanced machine tools that utilize laser technology for material removal, encompassing processes like cutting, drilling, engraving, and ablation. These machines are highly valued for their precision, speed, and ability to work with a wide range of materials, from metals and plastics to ceramics and composites, often without physical contact. Key industries importing and exporting these machines include automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical device manufacturing, and general fabrication, where intricate designs and tight tolerances are paramount. The trade is characterized by high-value capital goods, with continuous innovation in laser power, beam quality, and automation features. These tools are critical for modern manufacturing requiring high throughput and exceptional quality, reflecting significant investment in advanced production capabilities globally.
- Covers
- Fiber laser cutting machines
- CO2 laser engravers
- YAG laser welders
- Picosecond laser micromachining systems
- Femtosecond laser ablation machines
- Laser drilling machines
- 3D laser cutting systems
- Examples
- TRUMPF TruLaser
- Bystronic ByStar Fiber
- Amada FO-M2
- Mazak Optiplex
- IPG Photonics laser systems
Codes often confused with 8456.11
Common mistake. Can be confused with 845612 (other light/photon beam processes) if the specific light source isn't clearly identified as a laser, or with 8465 (woodworking machines) or 8466 (parts for machine tools) if not a complete machine.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 845611, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 845611 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.3B 37% of world exports
- 2 Germany $963M 15% of world exports
- 3 Japan $773M 12% of world exports
World total: $6.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $755M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $587M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $430M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $5.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 8456.11 3
Brazil splits HS 8456.11 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8456.11.1 Numerically controlledDe comando numérico Group
- 8456.11.11 CNC laser cutters for metal sheet over 8 mmPara corte de chapas metálicas de espessura superior a 8 mm
- 8456.11.19 Other CNC laser machine toolsOutras
- 8456.11.90 Non-CNC laser machine toolsOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.56 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8456.11
What is HS code 845611?
HS code 845611 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machine-tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by laser. This HS code covers advanced machine tools that utilize laser technology for material removal, encompassing processes like cutting, drilling, engraving, and ablation. These machines are highly valued for their precision, speed, and ability to work with a wide range of materials, from metals and plastics to ceramics and composites, often without physical contact. Key industries importing and exporting these machines include automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical device manufacturing, and general fabrication, where intricate designs and tight tolerances are paramount. The trade is characterized by high-value capital goods, with continuous innovation in laser power, beam quality, and automation features. These tools are critical for modern manufacturing requiring high throughput and exceptional quality, reflecting significant investment in advanced production capabilities globally.
What products fall under HS code 845611?
Fiber laser cutting machines, CO2 laser engravers, YAG laser welders, picosecond laser micromachining systems, femtosecond laser ablation machines, laser drilling machines, 3D laser cutting systems
What are common misclassifications for HS code 845611?
Can be confused with 845612 (other light/photon beam processes) if the specific light source isn't clearly identified as a laser, or with 8465 (woodworking machines) or 8466 (parts for machine tools) if not a complete machine.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 845611?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 845611 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 37% of world exports), Germany ($963M) and Japan ($773M). World exports came to about $6.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 845611?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 845611 in UN Comtrade data were China ($755M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($587M) and Germany ($430M). World imports came to about $5.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 845611 structured?
HS code 845611 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (56) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 845611?
Brazil splits HS code 845611 into 3 NCM codes: 8456.11.11 (CNC laser cutters for metal sheet over 8 mm), 8456.11.19 (Other CNC laser machine tools), 8456.11.90 (Non-CNC laser machine tools). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.